Nicholas’ Life is Changed After School

Nicholas says he looks forward to the afterschool program every day. “It’s my life. I love it! I feel like I belong there and the teachers push me to work hard and always do my best.”

Nicholas is a 9-year-old boy from the United States who loves sports, Legos and spending time with family and friends. He had a tough start in life. Early on, Nicholas was rarely encouraged to attend school and generally had a negative outlook on life.

In 2009 Nicholas’ father passed away and his mother faced legal trouble. He then moved in with his grandparents who were able to create a loving and secure environment. Nicholas’ grandparents work hard to instill in him the importance of education and a positive attitude. Beginning when he was in first grade, they enrolled Nicholas in Save the Children’s literacy program to help nurture his education.

Save the Children’s literacy program works in groups and one-on-one with struggling readers to help improve their reading skills. Through structured tutorials and literacy activities we help children build their vocabulary and reading comprehension. We guide children through trouble spots and help foster a love of reading.

When Nicholas started the program he was reading far below grade level but his eagerness to learn shone through. He attended the program after school every day and with hard work and determination his abilities began to improve. He participated in guided independent reading, vocabulary, read aloud and fluency activities both during and after school. By mid-year, he was tested and placed almost at grade level; he is continuing to improve each day.

Nicholas’ grandmother recently noted, “His reading and socialization skills have greatly improved thanks to the afterschool program. He’s excited about school and learning.”

Nicholas is thrilled with his progress, “I look forward to the afterschool program every day. It’s my life. I love it! I feel like I belong there and the teachers push me to work hard and always do my best.”

Nicholas’ goal is to graduate high school — he would be the first in his family.